As we prepare for another change in the 2014 season, i can't help but wonder if it will work, and not waste money. I mean, back in 2008, the cars were curvy, grooved tyres, low rear wings, and simply one of the best cars around. In 2009, the cars got uglier, taller rear wings, and the cars were supposed to be 'simple' However, as time went on, look at the cars today, and you can notice that it's not simple anymore. Yes, they did stick with slick tyres, and tall rear wings, and not to mention ugly front ends. But, was the 2009 change a waste of money and time? It was supposed to make cars simplier, and easier to overtake, which was not the case. Then came in the KERS and adjustable front wings. Still nothing. Then came the DRS. And yes, lots of 'overtakings'. My question here is, was the 2009 change necessary? Will the 2014 change actually spice up the sport? What are your thoughts?
I´m guessing that the new regulations are not intended to spice things up. Of course they´ll probably do that because everybody will be a bit lost at the beginning but that´s not necessarily their primary goal. The lower nose is for safety reasons and the smaller wings are for the downforce reduction that they do periodically to slow down cars a bit. The engine changes are more related to the need of keeping with what´s being done in the car industry right now. Let´s face it: NA engines are a dying breed, in 10 years using them in F1 cars would be like using carburettors in NASCAR.
Were you around before the 2009 changes? People complained like crazy about how ugly the cars were, and how boring the racing was. :\ I guess hindsight is selective of the just the highlights.
Not sure that the 2014 changes are going to be a good thing. With more than half of the field on life support financially, increasing the cost of the engines does not seem to be very good timing. While the tire regulations did introduce uncertainty last year, it has reduced the true pace downward toward 80% of the car and drivers' performance level. Will it surprise anyone if Vettel makes it 5 in a row next year? If Formula 1 was so concerned with being eco-friendly and relevant to passenger cars, wouldn't they have just gone to the Formula E rules? The improvements to safety are always welcome, so I have no problem with the lower noses. I think concerns over the reliability of the turbo motors are overblown, the manufactures will have this covered, I am more worried about having enough teams being able to afford staying in the series. The ratio of pay drivers is not a positive sign for the health of Formula 1. I hope I am wrong and next year is exciting and different.
It was totally unnecessary. And once these changes go into effect, they'll change them again in the future for what ever the environmental or social issue of the day is. I can't believe the teams haven't complained more than they have. So to save $5 they spend $15?
I've been following F1 since 1998. Yes it was boring, because of the lack of overtaking. But the 2009 change hardly solved anything, didn't it...
Yes, the 2009 change was necessary - it was the 1998 change that was unnecessary, with the introduction of grooved tires and narrow track that really made the cars ugly. The pre-98 cars looked much, much better... and the racing in the 90s was pretty good, too!
Formula one gets progressively more boring and tame with every change. Once it was the fastest cars you could build, with the quickest drivers going flat out. Now it's reasonably quick, very similar cars pacing their way around so as not to waste a few dollars, with many drivers there cos they paid for the drive, not because they have the talent...... Pretty boring and for me, more now a habit than a pleasure, I certainly don't enjoy it like I used to
+1 Corners like Eau Rouge and 130R are hardly challenging these days, and all F1 drivers take it pedal to the metal.
I blame the technology not the regulations. Speeding cars have outgrown the tracks, so restrictions have to be put in place to make things more interesting to the fans as well as help production car technology advance. This isn't quarter mile racing. I know I'll get pummeled for this opinion.
2014 shuffles the cards anew. A world without RB/Vettel domination is worth every penny it costs. Forza Ferrari!
Yes but not Tilkes mistake: he builds to specs given by the FIA The issue there is that the FIA overdid the track safety to the point that they got boring
Two of the most beautiful F-1 cars ever. Just my opinion. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Never gonna top the Brabham BT55 imo. I agree with OP on the 2008 cars being the last good looking ones. The BMW Sauber was pretty wild with all the wings. Now my favorite of all top, but top 5. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
KERS has done nothing at all to improve the racing.....complete waste of $$ Except for LaFerrari, I don't see it transferring to road cars very much either......
Totally disagree. KERS combined with the DRS made the Push-to-Pass (which Indycars had a long time ago) possible. It is also very cool technology. Ferrari aren't the only ones transferring it to road coars. Porsche is doing the same and I'm sure others will follow. Besides: It also aids in taking some of the environmentalists arguments away.
I cannot honestly remember anyone making a pass by using kers. DRS definitely - but kers gets neutralized when both cars can use it.... My point is that it seems like a huge waste that has not improved the racing.
